Perfect Your Resume

Get Your Dream Job With These 20 Resume-Perfecting Tips

The start of the spring semester reminds us of looming deadlines for summer jobs, internships and study abroad opportunities for next year.

These can be super stressful processes; especially given the hundreds of other applicants eyeing the same opportunities as you. Use the following 20 tips to make sure your resume stands out from the pack:

1. Choose The Right Template

With so many formatting options, it’s easy to end up with an awful-looking resume, but there’s no need to reinvent the wheel.

Almost every major college offers a sample resume on its career services website, so don’t feel limited by your specific school’s resources.

My favorite options are the University of Texas Bachelor of Business Administration Resume and University of Pennsylvania - Wharton Resume.

Consider multiple options before selecting a format that will enable you to have a resume that is well organized, easy to skim and showcases your skills best.

2. Save The Creativity For The Content

Many companies use an applicant tracking system (ATS) that can’t process elaborate fonts or unique layouts. So, stick to a conservative font, like Times New Roman, in a traditional size, like 10 or 12.

3. Have A Master Resume

Create a version of your resume that contains everything you’ve done. Don’t leave out any accomplishments and list as many experiences as you can brainstorm.

When it comes time to apply for a position, create a copy of your master resume, rename it as “First Name Last Name’s Resume – Position Title,” then tailor your resume to that position. Not everything on your resume is pertinent to the specific job or scholarship for which you’re applying.

4. Stick To One Page

As a college student, you should never submit a resume that is longer than one page. If you do so, you won’t win the respect of your interviewer by showcasing all of your accomplishments, but rather, you will communicate your lack of ability to be concise.

5. Don’t Include An Objective

Don’t waste the few lines that this section will absorb. Your objective is to land the scholarship, job or fellowship for which you’re applying and the review committee knows that.

Instead, use your cover letter to elaborate on why you’re applying and explain how your experiences make you the best candidate.